Differential Diagnosis for a 2-Week Clogged Tear Duct
- The following differential diagnosis is organized into categories to guide the thought process and identify the most likely causes.
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction (NLDO): This is the most common cause of a clogged tear duct, especially in infants. The nasolacrimal duct is blocked, preventing tears from draining into the nose.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Dacryostenosis: A condition where the tear duct is narrowed or blocked, often due to abnormal development.
- Tear Duct Infection (Dacryocystitis): An infection of the tear duct, which can cause blockage and inflammation.
- Foreign Body in the Eye: An object, such as an eyelash or dust, can block the tear duct and cause clogging.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Orbital Cellulitis: A serious infection of the tissues surrounding the eye, which can cause blockage of the tear duct and potentially lead to vision loss or other complications.
- Tumor or Cyst: A rare but potentially life-threatening condition, such as a tumor or cyst, can cause blockage of the tear duct.
- Trauma: Injury to the eye or surrounding tissues can cause blockage of the tear duct and lead to clogging.
Rare Diagnoses
- Canaliculus or Common Canaliculus Obstruction: A blockage of the small canals that connect the tear duct to the eye.
- Lacrimal Gland Dysfunction: Abnormal function of the lacrimal gland, which produces tears, can lead to clogging of the tear duct.
- Congenital Anomalies: Rare birth defects, such as a blocked tear duct or abnormal development of the eye, can cause clogging.